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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2017 23:53:59 GMT -8
I just came across this 1967 16' Bee Line. Does anyone know much about these? I can likely pick it up for $800 or less. I understand that it doesn't have a title and would be sold on a bill of sale. Is that a big deal? Thanks!
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Nov 22, 2017 4:10:43 GMT -8
Depends on what state you are in. Looks like a worthy project for $800. Just beware of "The Cutters Club", they'll take a sawzall to that hangover.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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shastatom
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I can chase women or fix campers, I choose to fix what I understand........... campers.
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Post by shastatom on Nov 22, 2017 5:14:48 GMT -8
BW, Sent you a private note on how I got my title in Minnesota. It can be done.
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Nov 22, 2017 13:30:41 GMT -8
Thats a lot of camper for eight hundred bucks. I`d be jumping right on that.
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Post by vikx on Nov 22, 2017 21:19:41 GMT -8
The overhang seriously needs to be removed. It will be rot city....
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2017 22:19:49 GMT -8
I assume you mean removed and rebuilt, not removed forever, correct? I would intend to do a complete frame off restoration of the entire trailer regardless...
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Nov 22, 2017 22:24:30 GMT -8
I assume you mean removed and rebuilt, not removed forever, correct? I would intend to do a complete frame off restoration of the entire trailer regardless... But by removing the over hang, You could be a member of the "Cutters Club". LOL
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Post by vikx on Nov 22, 2017 23:22:35 GMT -8
REMOVED FOREVER. Yup!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 1:03:12 GMT -8
So...after a whirlwind morning and early afternoon, I DID nab the trailer, ended up paying $750. The guy was planning to convert it to an ice fishing house and decided his health wouldn't allow and sold it instead. The first thing I noticed when arriving at his home was that this was not a Bee Line trailer, and it was not 16' long. See the photos below identifying it as a "FAN" and it is closer to 20' from tip of tongue to the rear end.
He was very excited to show me inside and out even though I was trying to hurry up, pay, and get out of there before somebody else in the know might come along. Prior to leaving, I asked if he had other calls. He told me "yeah, at least (5) from the time I originally made contact, to when I showed up less than (3) hours later". All of the calls being from out of state. Kind of an indication that this was a really hot CL post quickly viewed by others interested in what I intend to do. I believe I landed a pretty good deal??
Although the exterior is a visual eye sore, the trailer seems really solid, with only a few minor water leaks as viewed from the inside. It is well equipped with a toilet/shower, furnace, stove top/oven, sink/faucet, hot water heater, refrigerator, gas light, etc...all seem to be in working order. I plan to do a full frame/off restoration and will completely strip the siding and paint new. Not sure yet the condition of the roof - need to climb up there tomorrow to take a closer look.
Which brings me to a couple of questions for mrmarty51 and vikx (or whoever else wants to chime in):
- Why would I remove the front overhang FOREVER, especially if it is pretty solid to begin with? Wouldn't that diminish the originality and value? It also has a few cool windows and provides a large sleeping area.
- Maybe this relates to the first question...what is the "Cutters Club"? I'm still a relatively newbie, so don't have all the lingo down quite yet.
Here's a few photos I took after making the (1) hour journey safely to my home:
I will be creating a new string of posts in the appropriate area of this forum documenting the entire restoration. It will likely drag out for quite awhile as my late 50's Catalina and my wife's '77 Maple Leaf currently occupy the majority of my shop space. This FAN will have to sit outside for quite awhile.
In the mean time, anyone who might know more specifically what year and model this thing is, your feedback will be greatly appreciated! I have no documentation, so I'll be wire wheeling away on the tongue area to try and uncover an identification number.
Thanks for reading through this long winded post, and I greatly appreciate any feedback you all can provide!
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aslmx
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Post by aslmx on Nov 23, 2017 5:16:14 GMT -8
Just my opinion, but that thing looks great. A trunk and an over hang! If you have the ability and information to do it right I would never cut that over hang off. If you do then you just have another cookie cutter trailer like everyone else. I'm also still fairly new at this game but there's no such thing in camper world as a small leak. If water is coming in it's going to have rot probably all the way to the sills. At $750 it was a steal but to do it right she's gonna have to be disassembled and built back the right way. I would watch all the Mobiltec videos I could and do all the research and planning before you even start. You have a great trailer and worthy of a build.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Nov 23, 2017 10:46:27 GMT -8
"Why would I remove the front overhang FOREVER, especially if it is pretty solid to begin with? Wouldn't that diminish the originality and value? It also has a few cool windows and provides a large sleeping area."
I think campers with the overhang sell for less, and take longer to sell, around here. But if you have kids, it's great. They'll love it.
"Maybe this relates to the first question...what is the "Cutters Club"? I'm still a relatively newbie, so don't have all the lingo down quite yet."
The Cutters Club is a group of people who will cut off any overhang, on any camper, of any age, found in any state, simply because they hate the leaks and the looks.
Congrats on the purchase!
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Nov 23, 2017 11:10:17 GMT -8
I personally would not cut off the upper forward overhang. I like them. I believe that with some improved cross bracing in the overhang, when it is in the restoration mode, could eliminate the dreaded sag and transpiring leaks caused from the sag. I would like to have a camper like the one You now have. A great find and an even greater price, in My opinion.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2017 23:32:57 GMT -8
Thanks for the feedback on the overhang issue...I can understand the reasons why this could/should be eliminated. I recall when first seeing the trailer in person, I thought of it as not being visually appealing either. However, since it has been sitting outside my shop for awhile, the "look" of the combination of overhang and trunk is actually kind of growing on me. My teenage son, who is my greatest critic, thinks it is really unique looking and definitely wants it to stay.
So...I believe I've made the decision to keep it for now. Maybe that will change as I get into the teardown and reconstruction work. Here is a photo in the bright morning sunshine:
Also, you can see in the photo below that the frame is actually modified to accommodate this overhang "option". There is a second set of frame members welded outboard of the base frame that extends the tongue significantly forward. Kind of a unique engineering solution!
I did some work uncovering identification numbers...
These photos show the MHMA plate adjacent to the entry door showing a "registered" number. Does anyone know what this plate is for, and is the number on it an identifier of the trailer that can be traced back in some way?
The photos below show markings uncovered on the tongue.
The first reads "64" and would likely identify it as a 1964 vintage:
I'm not sure what the next (2) sets of numbers identify:
Additional feedback on the overhang issue is greatly appreciated, as well as those of you who may be able to help decipher the registered/identification numbers in some way. Thanks!!
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Post by Teachndad on Nov 24, 2017 7:47:03 GMT -8
Hey Friends, Congrats on your find, BW. You got a really good deal! Bathroom with shower! and appliances! Glad it went to you. Well BW, I am in agreement with all the other folks. Despite it looking really weathered and haggard on the outside, the inside doesn't seem all that bad. But, yes, ultimately, once the skins are off, you will get to see how much damage was done by King Neptune or Isis - pick your water god. Commenting on the overhang, I agree that it does look unique and it does offer a function. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder? But, many people report on these about the water leaks and damage because of the design of the overhang. You are right, you won't know how bad it is until under the skins. People have done very nice jobs on cutting the overhang off and reskinning after. It's your trailer though and everyone respects that. Just some misc. thoughts. Since the tongue is extended by adding the extra C channel, I would wager that the tongue weight will be higher than most trailers. Add the overhang structure and 2 full propane tanks and you might have some significant tongue weight. Your TV and hitch should be strong enough to handle it. I don't speak from experience, but I figured I would mention my concerns. If possible, I would get a carport cover or at the very least a tarp for the outside storage until you get it inside. I just don't want to see any more risk of water damage. Finally, if you can still edit the post, I would suggest a change to the title to Mid 60's Fan or input the year you think it was. If you can't make the edit, maybe Vikx or NC can make it. I am curious as to why the front was patched in two spots. I look forward to following your restoration journey. BTW, you need to stay off Craigslist, now. You have enough trailers. I REALLY DO UNDERSTAND the addiction. I have been there... You can do it! I know you can! Cheers, Rod
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2017 12:14:32 GMT -8
Hi Rod,
Thanks for the comments. I do plan to cover the trailer with a tarp until it is moved into my shop.
Good call on those two patch spots on the front! We were wondering the same thing...what were they used for??
I'm not sure how to edit the title, or anything else previously posted, once saved. Maybe Vikx could chime in on how that is done. I'm sure others might have that same question.
Finally...I am addicted and the wife is my biggest deterrent to collecting more of these vintage gems. I have plenty of land to store them so that is not a problem. Rather than advising me to stop searching, maybe you could shed some advice on how to convince her it is OK to create our own "to be restored" trailer court.
Thanks! Brian
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